فَكَفَرُوا۟ بِهِۦ ۖ فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ 170
Translations
But they disbelieved in it, so they are going to know.
Transliteration
Fakafaru bihi fasawfa ya'lamun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the disbelievers who rejected the Quran and the message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), despite its clear signs and eloquence. The phrase 'soon they will know' is a warning of the consequences they will face on the Day of Judgment when the truth becomes undeniable. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain this as Allah's promise that the deniers will witness the reality of their rejection when it is too late for repentance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah As-Saffat, which discusses various prophets and their peoples' responses to divine guidance. The broader theme addresses the recurring pattern throughout history where people rejected the messengers and their revelations, only to face dire consequences. This surah was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet's message.
Related Hadiths
The theme relates to a hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The one who hears the call of the Muezzin and does not respond to it, his prayer is not accepted except with an excuse.' This reflects the consequences of rejecting clear guidance. Additionally, Surah Al-Ankabut 29:47 discusses similar rejection and the certainty of knowledge on the Day of Judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that rejecting clear divine signs has inevitable consequences, and should motivate believers to accept guidance while the opportunity exists. For modern readers, it emphasizes the importance of heeding warnings and not delaying repentance, as the ultimate accountability with Allah is certain.
Related Ayahs
وَإِذَا رَأَوْهُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ لَضَآلُّونَ
And when they saw them, they would say, "Indeed, those are truly lost."
وَإِذَا مَآ أُنزِلَتْ سُورَةٌ نَّظَرَ بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ هَلْ يَرَىٰكُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ ثُمَّ ٱنصَرَفُوا۟ ۚ صَرَفَ ٱللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُم بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَّا يَفْقَهُونَ
And whenever a sūrah is revealed, they look at each other, [as if saying], "Does anyone see you?" and then they dismiss themselves. Allāh has dismissed their hearts because they are a people who do not understand.
وَتَتَّخِذُونَ مَصَانِعَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَخْلُدُونَ
And take for yourselves constructions [i.e., palaces and fortresses] that you might abide eternally?
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَإِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ قَالُوا۟ حَسْبُنَا مَا وَجَدْنَا عَلَيْهِ ءَابَآءَنَآ ۚ أَوَلَوْ كَانَ ءَابَآؤُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يَهْتَدُونَ
And when it is said to them, "Come to what Allāh has revealed and to the Messenger," they say, "Sufficient for us is that upon which we found our fathers." Even though their fathers knew nothing, nor were they guided?